There. That was perfect.
Gavin believed that one should always do what they could to enhance every shot and put forth the best image possible. There was beauty in photos, but taking the time to enhance that beauty just showed the world how much you really cared.
It was a mantra he had lived by ever since deciding to focus on enhancing his brand and public image.
If one wanted to be a top-notch influencer, they needed to create a brand, spend years harnessing that brand, and build a following that supported that brand.
Gavin’s brand was urban gay boy meets top-shelf life. He posted images of clubs and restaurants that he and hisfellow influencers often frequented. He had spent years building a network of “friends” with whom he often attended openings, tried out new and trendy restaurants, and even celebrated birthdays. The events were always staged and superficial. It was all for the cameras, and they all barely spoke with one another. If they did speak, it was to suggest certain photos or complain about someone’s outfit.
Gavin and his friends didn’t have a conventional friendship—one based on actually liking the person and wanting to spend time with them. Their friendship consisted of helping each other create an illusion of a fabulous life that everyone was addicted to viewing.
There was a particular high one got from being loved, and it only got amplified the longer they relied on social media to justify their self-worth.
It wasn’t healthy, but Gavin wasn’t under any delusion that his need to be praised by his followers stemmed from the neglect by his parents.
Gavin was twelve years old when he entered the science fair, hoping to gain his parents’ praise if he could only win first prize.
He had spent two weeks researching topics and speaking with fellow classmates until he finally decided to build a model train that could run on the power of citrus fruit.
He spent weeks designing the experiment. Testing and retesting, making adjustments to gather enough acidic power to hopefully run a model train on a continuous loop around histrack—a track that he designed himself, adding that personal extra touch he hoped that the judges, as well as his parents, would see and take note of.
The day finally came for the big science fair competition. Gavin had confirmed with his parents three times that morning that they would both be in attendance. Even his nanny, Lilly, had promised to be there to watch and support him.
He was so excited.
When it came his turn to present his project to the judges, he glanced around the gymnasium, but could not spot his mom or his dad.
Finally, he spotted Lilly, who gave him a huge smile and waved like he was the only one in the world!
Gavin was so excited. If Lilly was there, his parents must be buried in the crowd as well.
Taking a breath to calm his nerves, Gavin placed the electrodes into the oranges and watched as his model trains slowly came to life.
The faces of the judges lit up as Gavin’s trains circled the track three times before slowing to a stop.
As claps filled the air, the judges passed Gavin the first-place ribbon.
Gavin couldn’t believe it! First place!
His head snapped around the room, looking for his parents. They were going to be so proud of him.
The more he searched, the more the excitement he felt in his stomach began to die.
Lilly finally approached, smiling ear to ear. She gave him a hug and told him how proud she was of him.
“Thanks, Lilly. But where’s Mom and Dad?”
The look in his nanny’s eyes confirmed his suspicions. His parents hadn’t come once again.
“They both had last-minute conference calls come up, love. They wished they could be here, but unfortunately, they couldn’t.”
Gavin traced the first-place lettering on the ribbon he had been awarded. Once again, he didn’t matter to his parents. No matter how much he tried and how hard he worked, he never seemed to be able to catch his parents’ attention.
He thought the science fair might be something that would impress his parents, but once again, their jobs took precedence.
So Gavin turned to social media. It was an artificial way for him to get the approval and praise he could never get from his parents.
Over time, he realized that social media could be used for other things as well like making money and spreading the word.
